As
the fallout from the general election is dissected, some commentators have
noted the challenges facing Cameron's new government in managing the House of
Commons - given his small majority. But UCL expert Professor Meg Russell warns
today that his challenges in managing the House of Lords could be even greater.

Once the election results are in, how do we decide who forms the government?

Press Release: Devolution and Future of the Union:
the Challenge for the new Parliament

Publication date:
5 May 2015

A new report by the Constitution
Unit

On the eve of the election the Constitution Unit publishes
today a new report on Devolution and the Future of the Union. Its analysis will survive well into the new
Parliament, whoever forms the next government. The report explores future challenges to the Union, with all parties
committed to further devolution, a resurgent SNP, and the Conservative promise
of English votes for English laws. These
issues will all feature in the post-election negotiations between the parties,
with growing tensions between England and Scotland, and a risk that hasty deals
could end up undermining the Union.

Join the Debate

The Scotland Bill so far: Major constitutional legislation proceeding at the speed of an express train

Thu, 30 Jul 2015 09:00:02 +0000

Plans for expanding the powers of the Scottish Parliament have developed rapidly since the Scottish referendum. Jim Gallagher takes advantage of the pause afforded by Parliament’s summer recess to take stock of the Scotland Bill’s progress, and consider the stability of increased decentralisation in the longer term. Parliament’s summer recess is a good time to catch […]

The truth about House of Lords appointments

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:30:54 +0000

Yesterday Prime Minister David Cameron, seemingly undeterred by the already negative media coverage about the Lord Sewel affair, gave strong indications that he intends to make yet more appointments to the Lords. In doing so, he appeared to invoke a convention that does not exist: that of bringing Lords membership into line with Commons seats. […]

The government’s Freedom of Information commission tilts the political discussion towards damage and cost

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:00:26 +0000

On Friday of last week, the government announced a new commission on Freedom of Information. Here, Ben Worthy offers his response to the announcement, arguing that the objections to the scope and usage of FOI that have been raised are nothing new, and furthermore aren’t unique to the UK. Further, he argues that the commission’s remit tilts […]